Woman Arrested After Climbing Flagpole to Remove Confederate Flag

The Confederate flag was temporarily removed from the front of the South Carolina Statehouse on Saturday when a brave Bree Newsome climbed up the flagpole and removed the banner.

Local police shouted for the 30 year-old Charlotte resident to get down, but she followed her plan all the way through. Her and an accomplice who climbed over a four-foot wrought-iron fence to get to the flag were arrested.

The flag, which is protected by state law, was raised about 45 minutes later. This incident has sparked a growing trend through social media with the hashtag #TakeDownTheFlag and #FreeBree. Flag supporters planned a rally at the monument later on Saturday. Even popular documentary filmmaker Michael Moore is in full support, and will even help pay Newsome’s bail.